ACCRA — For the first time in its roughly 50-year history, the Police Hospital in Accra has wards built just for children. They are part of the new Christian Tetteh Yohuno Ward Complex, which President John Dramani Mahama commissioned on Tuesday, October 13.

The 85-bed facility, named after the current Inspector-General of Police, is the biggest boost to the hospital's capacity in years. According to the hospital's Medical Director, Commissioner of Police Dr Samuel Otu-Nyarko, it raises the hospital's total bed capacity to 205.

The President also handed over two new ambulances to strengthen the hospital's emergency response.

Inside the new complex

The ward complex is designed to give patients modern, organised care under one roof. It includes:

  • Children's wards, with separate units for boys and girls, the hospital's first dedicated paediatric wards
  • Separate male and female wards for both surgical and medical patients
  • An in-house laboratory and pharmacy, so patients can get tests and medicines without leaving the building
  • Modern diagnostic equipment
  • An elevator to move patients safely between floors

Easing the pressure

The Police Hospital was set up to care for police officers and their families, but it now treats members of the public too, especially in emergencies. IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno said those growing responsibilities had stretched the hospital's facilities, making new investment essential.

With 85 extra beds and dedicated space for children, the new complex should mean less crowding, better separation of patients and faster care for officers, their families and the wider public.

The IGP also noted that the roughly 100-bed Tamale Police Hospital has been completed and equipped, extending police healthcare beyond the capital.

More to come

The new ward complex is the first step in a bigger upgrade. At the same ceremony, President Mahama announced that the government had terminated the 22-year-old contract for the hospital's long-delayed expansion project and directed the Finance Minister to allocate about GH¢200 million in the 2027 Budget to complete it.

When finished, the expansion is expected to add 106 more beds, a 12-bed intensive care unit, a new accident and emergency centre and additional consulting rooms, including rooms for children. The government aims to have it in service before the end of 2027.